CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

General Discussion

CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

mweitz 07-13-2008, 8:16 AM
Hi,

I'm new to motorcycling, and have a Suzuki GZ250 I'm learning on. I'm currently looking for an "entry level" fixer upper bike to pick up now and be riding early next year. I don't mind paying a mechanic to do some of the work and don't mind doing some of the easier stuff and learning as I go along.

With that said, a neighbor a few houses down put a 1983 (is that correct? Looks like 82 was the last year for these) CX500 Custom for sale the other day. It has been sitting outside and not started for about a year. It has been down several times I'm guessing from the scratches on it. She says it needs a new battery, and it clearly needs new front and rear tires. I didn't have them start it since I was unsure if it was a good idea to run the year old gas through it. The inside of the gas tank looks solid, but there is a little rust in there.

So, I don't even know where to start (and neither does she). I'm 100% confident that she is honest and I want the bike but don't want to get something that ends up being a $$$$ pit or overpaying for it.

I'm willing to pay a fair price for it (and she is willing to sell it for a fair price). She paid 1,500 for it from a junk yard 4 or 5 years ago. I didn't see SALVAGE on the title though (I could have missed it). She is asking 1,200. The bike is in pretty poor condition on the outiside though. It has some leaks, including a gas leak near the little plastic casing with the gold colored metal filter in it.

If you have any advice on how to proceed, I would greatly appreciate it!

Here are a few photos:

http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll212/mweitz/CX500/

Thanks,
Mark

1981 CX500 Deluxe

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

fll1441 07-13-2008, 8:32 AM
Hi Mark,

Sounds like a good opportunity because you are considering buying the bike from a neighbor whom you trust. Most people don't want to knowingly screw a neighbor they are going to be seeing after the sale. How many miles are on the bike? I couldn't see your photos. It would be a good idea to get some fresh gas and see if the bike will run. A bike in non-running condition is not worth much. In my opinion, $ 1200 would be a fair price only if the bike was running well, didn't have high mileage and was in good cosmetic condition. It doesn't sound like this bike is in that category. Keep in mind that it takes some work and patience to get a bike that has been sitting up and running. It can be very expensive to pay a shop to work on them, if you can find a shop that is willing to do it. However, if you are mechanically inclined and willing, you can find all the information you need here and on some other sites. On the links tab, you can find "Rob's Fix-it Page." Here is a link from his buying tips (sorry my links don't link, you will have to cut and paste it to your address bar):

http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/buying_tips/

1982 CX500 Custom

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

WisconsinCX 07-13-2008, 8:44 AM
IMO...too much $ for the shape it's in.

83 650 Silverwing Interstate Phoenix
81 Deluxe
80 Custom
78 Maggot
83 CB1100F yeah baby!!

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

WNW3 07-13-2008, 9:11 AM
I wouldn't pay more than $650 for that bike and that is only if it will start. The thing to keep in mind though is that used bikes in any running condition are in high demand right now. I've been watching craiglist and I'd say prices on used bike shave just about doubled in the past 7-8 months. Part of that is the normal summer upswing but the obvious other reason is gas prices. It's a sellers market right now so you are going to see crap bikes going for WAY more than they are worth.

1981 Honda CX500 Deluxe
1975 Honda CB750 K5

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

mweitz 07-13-2008, 9:14 AM
Yes, I agree. She quickly went down to 1K. I don't think I would go much over 700.00 for it. Is that a reasonable offer to make if it seems to run OK?

Mark

<BLOCKQUOTE><table width="85%"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/cs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif"> <strong>WisconsinCX wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4">IMO...too much $ for the shape it's in.</td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

1981 CX500 Deluxe

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-13-2008, 10:16 AM
She may not like the offer but tell her you asked some guys around a Cx forum what they would pay. If it were me and it was not running I top off at around $400 in that condition. If she can get it running and it idles fine and drives decent I would be inclined to pay a bit more. I would pay $600 if it has more than 30,000 miles on it. If it is really low mileage I would be willing to go $750.

If you want further answers jump on craigslist and check what the early 80's bikes are going for.

If she doesn't want to deal that low continue to watch the bike as she tries to sell it. As more and more people pass it up she will eventually come down or sell to someone who has money to blow.
Until then have fun with the Gz250.

Remember even cheap tires cost $100 a set.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

fll1441 07-13-2008, 10:17 AM
Now I can see your pictures. Good advice from Blindstich. Be careful with that bike. It looks like it has had a hard life. I agree with you that it has been crashed. I would guess it will take some work to get it in good riding condition. Unless you hear the bike running before you buy it, you are taking a chance. So, offer accordingly.

1982 CX500 Custom

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

mweitz 07-13-2008, 4:30 PM
Thanks,

I'm going to go down to talk to her now. Bikes are sellin

g like mad here right now, so who knows. I'm going to tell her what I found out, and tell her to list it on CL and see how it goes. The reality is CL is a PITA and not too fun to deal with. I'll leave an open offer for 700 bucks if it runs and see how it goes.

Thanks, I may be spending a LOT of time here.

1981 CX500 Deluxe

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

mweitz 07-13-2008, 4:43 PM
Oh, what is the best way to drain the gas from the tank so we can put some fresh stuff in there to start it up?

Is it OK to jump it from a car? I have a 12V 7AH "hobby" type battery that we could use as well.

Thanks,

Mark

1981 CX500 Deluxe

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

dbarale 07-13-2008, 5:57 PM
It's perfectly OK to jump from a car ( assuming the correct polarity is respected of course)...

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

mweitz 07-13-2008, 6:20 PM
This one didn't work out. She got pretty rude when I offered her 600 after explaining that "dealer" price on KBB is 1100 and trade in for a good condition bike was 600ish. She exclaimed that she wouldn't sell it for less than 1000.00. I wished her luck and was on my way.

Strange how people valuate stuff. She bought it 5 years ago for 1500, used it for her commuter for 4 and left it outside for 1 and expects the value to have only dropped by 300.00!

Thanks for you help!

Mark

1981 CX500 Deluxe

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Ayal 07-13-2008, 6:53 PM
You did the right thing to my opinion. I bought mine for 600 from a guy down the street. The stator may or may not have been dying at the time (hence the need for new battery). I had to replace a stator (Alternator) ($250 with warranty, but I got one for $75 without). $130 for front tire, $70 for new brake pads (Front and back - the rubber was dry) $85 for a new set of gaskets for the replacement plus 30 hours of inexperienced work (No one will work on a bike worth $500, especially not during riding season). $20 every time I buy oil at Honda. $20 for coolant. I'm riding now but this was close to just a complete bust. A few times I went to the Honda store and the part is no longer available. I like this bike because of the way it sounds and looks and rides when it's working, but this is love, not reason. If you end up getting this bike (It may still be available come fall) expect to get your own hands to do mechanic's work, but you'll be learning a lot in the process, which for me is the best hobbie. Good luck!!

Strive to learn something new every day

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-13-2008, 7:17 PM

mweitz wrote:
Oh, what is the best way to drain the gas from the tank so we can put some fresh stuff in there to start it up? Is it OK to jump it from a car? I have a 12V 7AH "hobby" type battery that we could use as well. Thanks, Mark

Best way I found to drain a tank in to use the petcock. Hook up a hose from there and put the hose in a gas can and switch to reserve. If the bike has been sitting for a year draining the carbs would be the best idea. Get a long flat head screwdriver so you can turn back the screws on the bottom of the carbs on the left at the very bottom. Can be accessed from the left side.

If you jump the bike off a car don't turn the car on.

You could also try a shot of starting fluid into the air box.

your neighbor doesn't know the value of her bike and is like every one living in a false world. It's like when a guy puts a new paint job on a 20 year old rust bucket. Just because it cost over 2 grand for the paint doesn't mean it is worth 2 grand more.

Blue book is blue book.

I have a friend who bought a full size dodge truck that ran great with racing stripes on it. He spent 10 thousand dollars to make the engine as strong as possible and has had mechanics set the timing 3 times now and nothing works. The same truck he bought for $8000 is still only worth at most $8,000. Most likely $5,000.

Who ever got her to pay $1,500 5 years ago was probably laughing when she left.

Just watch the bike not sell. Besides you didn't want one till next year. If it sits long enough she might come to you.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-13-2008, 7:39 PM
I just bought two CXs $300 each. both where running, but needed work. As it turned out,... one engine needed a triple bypass,. The other a mech seal..oh well live and learn,...but really I'm thinking cool! ..I get to rip into this engine.

I might pay $1200 for road ready non salvaged, well running bike.

I would pay no more than $300 for the bike your thinking of buying,...but i am a cheap ass!

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-13-2008, 7:55 PM
To bad we didn't have a location of where this bike is. At this rate maybe daniel45mpg could get him a bike. Daniel I was watching a couple engines go in your area on ebay and I almost cried. They were so cheap. There was a set of 3.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-13-2008, 8:01 PM
Just on a side note. I have found That in the San Francisco Bay Area And Sacramento. These bikes have a cult like following and are valued by many In the $1200 to $1800 range for a low milage running, titled Freeway and City Ready street fighter. Extra points for the Old Blue California plates. I even know someone who Paid $1800 for a CX ( my best buddy who ended giving the CX to me.) Not every one agrees.but i have found this area to fetch some of the bigger prices.
just check out the Craigslist-ings in SF Bay area and Sacto CA. it's just nuts! If ya want a turbo this is where they are for sale.

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Fenix 07-13-2008, 8:06 PM
Mark -

You got the better end of the deal. I've seen many a bike in that condition and trust there is a TON o cash to be sunk in it (speaking from experience). Don't spend a penny over $400 for a bike in that condition!!

Fenix

1982 CX500C - ReDEVIL

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-13-2008, 8:14 PM
From what I can see,..What really changes perceived value is how close you are to aThe Big Citys in CA. Sacramento , San Francisco-Oakland area. San Diego, Los Angeles. More demand i guess. Also there is the Hip factor with the 80 stuff now. that may be driving up the price. The deals are all out east, in the sticks,.. where i'm at now, away from the coasts here in Kalifornia. IMHO.

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

George in Indiana 07-13-2008, 9:30 PM
You're neighbor is out of her freakin' mind, at best it's a $300 piece of crap.
I sold my '79 CX500C for $1200 on ebay a few years ago. First I offered it in the for sale section on the CX forums and was willing to go down to $700 but there were no takers. I bought it from the original owner when it had 2K miles (sold with 14K). Never dropped and never left out overnight. It was perfection down to the original warning decals and you'd be hard pressed to find a 1 year old motorcycle in better condition.

CX500 TURBO
CX650 TURBO
'86 Honda Elite 150 Deluxe
'04 GSX1300R Hayabusa

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

mweitz 07-13-2008, 9:37 PM
That bike is sweet.

I'm in San Carlos, directly between SF and San Jose. She put it on CL today. There is a pretty nice one for 1,500, hers, one for 600 and one for like 340.

It sits outside, so I'll see how long it sits there. She was really insulted by my offer though, so I doubt she will come back after she was so ... adamant.

I'll keep my eye out.

Thanks everyone.

Mark

1981 CX500 Deluxe

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-13-2008, 9:58 PM
Yep ken that's the Bay Area For you. CX's seem to have a higher Value. because of the Hip and cool 80 come back maybe? And the year round driving season. also they just plain have more Cache in that area as they slowly gain vintage status,...it's all about vintage and old school cool in SF Bay area.
still they have to be good lookers and good runners and have the original title and Plate period. IMHO To me a salvaged title is not cool,..because DMV gives you the new CA plate ( Reflective off white?) . Sorry but the blue CA plate is super cool! IMHO

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Timothy_D 07-13-2008, 10:07 PM
You really want a good starter bike?
I'm considering selling Black.
25000 miles, starts every time, comes with a butt load of spares. (spare gaskets, cam chain guide, '81 carburetor)
Has a couple of issues (needs a new back tire, steering head bearing, and handlebars are slightly bent), but I drive her weekly with no fear of failure. Runs like a raped ape.

Two CX500 Turbos, GL650I, CX650C, CX650E.

Why do I own five bikes? Because I'm not married. DUH! (and I haven't taken a vacation in two years. . . . )

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-13-2008, 10:11 PM
I saw the listing. $1200, not on the road for a year, 35,000 mileage and needs a new battery.

You know that 44,000 mile running bike with the gasket oil leak, saddle bags, and title sounds like a decent fixer upper as long as it's the transmission gasket or shifter seal that's leaking. $340

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/748652498.html

Not sure how far it is actually away from you but if you got it you could fix it up over the winter and probably cruise around the block before your neighbor sells her bike.

The pictures look like crap but i almost bet that it is in the same body condition as the one down the road.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-13-2008, 10:22 PM
Wow I just checked craigslist out there and there has got to be something in the water. If I had 2 to 3 grand i don't think i would be looking at a 30 year old bike when I could get one under 10 years with really low mileage. Wonder if ebay is offering anything in that area.

I know if I ever sell my bike I will be taking a trip out there.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-13-2008, 10:42 PM
ken there are tons of cxs around your area on CL

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-13-2008, 10:51 PM
I think it is more like something that they are smoking. because the water is great,..And i'm not kidding. I think I'll be putting my bike on for CL for $1,000,000 Dollars no wait for $1,000,000,000,000 dollars! .....nice.

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-14-2008, 4:11 PM
Didn't see your neighbors bike on craigslist today. The drugs must be working.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-14-2008, 6:09 PM
ha ha Blindstitch. it not that easy to sell the bikes for big $$$$$ unless they are low miles and in really good condition. The buyers are the same type of people who buy Old Vinyl Records with the plastic on the covers. telling you how rare this record is,... and that it's from Jamaica anxd it Black Ark and Bla Bla Bla. I Got my first cx from a friend in Oakland and I though thats what they were worth.... but learned later that they were going for much less in other parts of the country. It's funny because some kid got my attention on CL and i
Found myself actually driving out and looking at a 80cx500c for $2200 bucks sound crazy now And i was making good $$$ as a builder.. The picture looked good but when i saw the thing in person. It was just well,... road hard and put away wet!,.. iif ya know what i mean. I would not have given him $200 for it now that i 've got my personal CX value straight. Why do pictures almost always!,... make the bike look better.

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-14-2008, 7:16 PM
Guess if I was in CA I would be looking out of state for nice titled bikes in the area of a place where I would want to have a vacation. Last year I flew from Michigan to Denver to visit some friends and almost convinced my self to drive back on a newer bike. There was a 2005 black Honda Shadow VLX with 3,000 miles going for $3,000.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-14-2008, 7:19 PM
My bikes speedometer only has 1,700 miles on it. Does that count as low mileage. Of course the speedometer that self destructed on me had 44,000.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-14-2008, 8:36 PM
I don't want to be too Snobby but out here if it doesn't have the old blue California Plate I'm just not as stoked. this is just my thing. I figure it means that it was originally title here in Ca ( any one out of state coming here gets the off white new one) and has never left and is not salvaged,....of coarse there is the rare case. and Title rebuilds. Frame is the only thing that matters for the old plates. This is just IMHO!

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-14-2008, 10:01 PM
What if a california resident went down to the dmv today to register their bike. Wouldn't they get a white one.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

WisconsinCX 07-15-2008, 6:16 PM
I dunno, I think in CA the plates stay with the vehicle

83 650 Silverwing Interstate Phoenix
81 Deluxe
80 Custom
78 Maggot
83 CB1100F yeah baby!!

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

hakko808 07-15-2008, 9:54 PM
What if they paint the white plate blue? Is it worth a lot more then? Maybe I am missing something but is sounds as if a piece of junk with a blue plate is supposed to be worth more than a roadworthy bike with a white plate? Sounds like the same crowd who expect kids to leave toys in the box because they may be worth something someday.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-15-2008, 10:20 PM
You mean your not supose to leave your toys in the original wrappers. What fun is that. They just get dirty and you have to clean them. Original wrappers are the safer way to go.

Well if you have a blue plate that means that the same person destroyed a bike in california. Or the junk yard that tried to rebuild it left on the original plate or swapped the new white one out for an old rusty blue one.

In michigan all plates were changed from blue to white and it didn't matter how long you had the same plate. Manditory change to add security holograms to the plates. Some day it will happen to California and then all cx's will be dirt cheap. It's going to be a Mad Max state then.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-15-2008, 10:25 PM
hakko808
I think I found our solution. There is a California License plate on ebay with a starting bit of $9.98.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

hakko808 07-16-2008, 6:54 AM
Does it come sealed in the original packaging? If not I am not interested.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-16-2008, 7:23 PM
you Guys are Busting me Up! it's a funny California thing. the first Plates here where Black(not many around anymore) then blue Now white. Plate stays with Car or bike until,..Bike is salvaged or goes out of state,.... there is no extra value because of the Plate But,..it is just cool,..Old bike old plate. it just a nostalgia thing. nothing else. I only heard it said as a Wow that car still has the old Blue Plate,...means it was never registered out of state after the switch,

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-16-2008, 7:49 PM
It's a nice nastalgia thing but what if someone stole your plate. Then you would have a white one right not a replacement to the color you had. I like your theory but here in other states where you don't need a front and a rear for your car we just put the old plate on the front when we have to get a new rear. I was at a swap meet this past weekend and I could have bought a big box of late 50's car and motorcycle plates for $25.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-16-2008, 7:58 PM
Hakoo808 yes it's is the same type of person.
The plate thing is only my personal Take. It would be a cool extra ,on top of a nice runner, nice looker with low miles,...Vintage is Vintage. It will be cool to see if the CX Value go's up over the next few years in SF/bayarea California.

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Daniel45mpg 07-16-2008, 8:03 PM
Blindstitch i'm sure that they would have to issue you a new white plate, with a different #..Don't think they have the convicts make old plates again. But man If they charged extra for it i would pay! I might be nuts?

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-16-2008, 8:32 PM
mweitz
Any word on a bike?
This is not an owners only club but it would be nice if you had the same fun with these bikes as we do.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

hakko808 07-16-2008, 8:33 PM
So if you go to the salvage yard and get a frame with the matching plate attached can you take all your good parts and put them on the blue plated frame or would this count as salvage? Would the same apply to a decrepit barn find? I assume they have barns in CA for all of those happy cows.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-16-2008, 8:44 PM
I think the question isn't really salvage yard because most of the bikes that go there were damaged at one time but I think if you buy a bike that doesn't have a salvaged title or a barn find things would be good to go. I checked the california dmv site and I think you have to bring the plate in so they can look at it. The site says if it is damaged or rusted it needs to be replaces.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Anonymous 07-16-2008, 8:58 PM
its like people who rebuild a car and and purposly get overspray on the inner fenders
to match the way it came from the factory.
whatever turns ya on

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

hakko808 07-17-2008, 12:21 AM
Yeah, I have seen some of the serious restorations where the factory chalk marks are reproduced. Discovery HD was replaying some classic car auctions with many of these types of restorations and I was amazed and how much some would bring and how little others would. Considering the amount of time invested for such detail, I am not sure some restorers profit more than minimum wage.

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Timothy_D 07-19-2008, 5:15 PM
Of course Murphy's Law dictated that something would go wrong when Mark came out to see Black today.
After being rebuilt twice, the thumb kicker button now fails to engage the headlight.
However, with the amount of spare CX stuff I included, I believe that he still got a good deal.

So, welcome to the fold, Mark!
May Black bring you many years of faithful service.

Two CX500 Turbos, GL650I, CX650C, CX650E.

Why do I own five bikes? Because I'm not married. DUH! (and I haven't taken a vacation in two years. . . . )

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Blindstitch2002 07-19-2008, 6:23 PM
Well isn't that going to piss off the neighbor. I don't know how much you sold Black for but if you talk to Mark or if he reads this before he spins around the block past his neighbors house. You should tell him to tell her that he only paid $600 for the bike and got a box off free goodies. And that the owner said you would have had to be crazy to spend more than $1000 on scratched up bike. Best part it runs.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?

Timothy_D 07-20-2008, 4:36 PM
You don't know the half of it. I also gave him every major repair, modification, or upgrade receipt that I had.

Progressive fork springs, fork brace, VT1100 rear shocks, Harley pipes; even bearing in mind the little things that my old bike needs, her little P.O.S. is nowhere near the bike that Black is.

Two CX500 Turbos, GL650I, CX650C, CX650E.

Why do I own five bikes? Because I'm not married. DUH! (and I haven't taken a vacation in two years. . . . )

Black is Back!

mweitz 07-25-2008, 4:41 PM
Well folks, it has been a busy few days.

THANKS to Tim for the bike. She has been solid as hell for the 300 or so miles I've put on her. I got a new tire on Monday, same as the front (ME880). I have the bearings on order (should be here Monday) and the starter switch is on order as well (should be here next week).

Man, what a fun and nice bike. I spent several hours giving her a bath, started polishing up the rims, degreased the engine and that type of stuff.

Yesterday I took her from San Carlos, to SF, to Sonoma, to SF, to Sonoma, back to San Carlos, about 180 miles RT.

I pulled the tank and Windjammer off the other night to see how hard it was in prep for replacing the wheel bearings. It was a snap, but I put the vacuum tube on the wrong nipple on the petcock. Ha, that took me like an hour to troubleshoot the next morning. Hmm, it's getting gas ... wait, no it isn't, hold on, it is ... Oh well, last week I didn't even know what a petcock was.

I still have a little shopping to do, need some simple green, some parts baskets and some cleaning brushes then I'll be ready to do the bearings.

I am going to finish polishing the front rim while it is off. I did the right side already and it came out pretty nice. Just washed it, then went over the whole rim with Never Dull, then polished it with a soft cloth, and Q=tips for the hard to reach places.

I drive by her house at least twice a day, but haven't seen her. I'm keeping my eyes out!
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll212/mweitz/CX500/Black.jpg

1981 CX500 Deluxe

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